Buddhist Circuit Tour in Nepal

Being the the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the cradle of Buddhism, Nepal is certainly the mecca for Buddhist pilgrims and all peace loving people of the world. Visiting Lumbini where Buddha was born and spent his life along with other important Buddhist sites in Nepal is a fulfilling dream for every one.

As the name suggests, Buddhist Circuit Tour makes a complete circuit of some of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Starting from Kathmandu Valley, the capital city of Nepal and home to seven world heritage monuments including 2500 year old Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath, you get out to the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley for a visit to equally significant historical sites related to Buddhists, Kapan and Namo Buddha.

You then take a long scenic drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lumbini, located in the southwestern Nepal. Lumbini is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological relics from the time of Buddha. You will spend a whole day sightseeing around Mayadevi Temple, Peace Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Puskarni Pond, Buddhism library, meditation square, crane sanctuary etc. The tour will finally end with a trip to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara where there is much to see and do. You will not miss hiking to the top of Peace Stupa and boating on Phewa Lake.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport.

Our airport representative will be there at the airport premises to welcome you and take you to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing of Buddhist heritage sites such as Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Kapan. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After early morning breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a day long tour. Today you will visit three important Buddhist sites, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Kapan. You will return to your hotel by evening. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is a world heritage monument dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. The unique dome shaped Buddhist stupa was built some 2500 years ago when Kathmandu was under the influence of Tibetan rulers. Also called Monkey Temple, the stupa is situated west of Kathmandu and built on the top of a hill surrounded by green forests. There are temples, stupas, statues and shrines dedicated to Buddha along with a monastery, museum and library

Boudhanath: Boudhanath is also a world heritage monument located north of Kathmandu. The dome shaped spherical stupa which upholds the all seeing pair of eyes of Buddha. The stupa is believed to have been built by Tibetan emperor some 2500 years agao. The stupa was completely rebuilt after it had been destroyed by the earthquake of 2015.

Kapan: Kapan Monastery is one of the most popular Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu Valley, located north of Kathmandu. The monastery was established by renwoned Zopa Rinpoche and has a monastic school for 360 monks from Nepal and Tibet along with 380 nuns who live nearby Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery.

Day 03: Drive to Namo Buddha. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

Wake up early and start the day with a warm breakfast. Our tour guide will meet you at the hotel and brief you about today’s programme. You will drive to the famous Buddhist site of Namo Buddha where you will spend the day sightseeing the local attractions. You will return to your hotel in Kathmandu by later afternoon. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel.

Namo Buddha: Namo Buddha is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal visited by pilgrims and tourists alike. Namo Buddha literally means ‘hail to Buddha’.It is located 40 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1750m. It is believed that Shakyamuni Buddha during his previous life as a prince had sacrificed himself to feed a hungry tigress and her cub. Statues of the prince in the sacrificial act has been preserved in Namo Buddha. Today a monastery has been built nearby which houses hundreds of monks from Nepal and Tibet. Due to its altitude it overlooks the beautiful vista of the ancient town of Panauti and also affords a splendid views of mountains as well as the valley of Panauti.

Day 04: Drive to Lumbini. Overnight in Lumbini.

Early morning drive to Lumbini. It takes around 8-9 hours to reach Lumbini following Prithivi Highway and East West Highway.

A world heritage site, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and apostle of peace. Located in southwestern region of Nepal in the Terai plains, Lumbini is a world heritage site and one of the world’s greatest pilgrimage centers. Hundreds of thousands tourists and pilgrims visit to this sacred site every year to pay their respects to Lord Buddha.

Lumbini hosts archaeological remains of palaces, courtyards, ponds, stones and statues that date back to some 2500 years ago. At the heart of Lumbini is the Sacred Garden. Spread around 9 km, this is where Buddha was born as Prince Siddartha Gautam to Queen Maya Devi. The exact nativity site is marked by a Ashokan Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. A marker stone discovered in the Mayadevi Temple which stands adjacent to this pillar is regarded as the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born.Another sacred site in the Garden is the Puskarni Pond where Queen Mayadevi is believed to have taken bath before giving birth to Buddha.

There are as many as 62 archaeological sites scattered around Lumbini such as Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gothihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama. Each of these sites hold significance in the life and times of Buddha are highly recommended for any visitors. Other sites of importance in Lumbini are Buddhist Library, Crane Sanctuary, world peace stupa, international monastic zones, and numerous monasteries, stupas and viharas that dot the landscape.

Day 05: Sightseeing in Lumbini

You will spend the day sightseeing in and around Lumbini with a tour guide. Some of the sites you will visit include Maya Devi Temple, Puskarni Pond, Ashkoa Pillar, Peace Stupa, Buddhist Library and Museum, Crane Sanctuary and international monasteries. Overnight in a hotel in Lumbini.

Day 06: Drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Early morning drive to Pokhara which takes about 5 hours. Once you reach Pokhara you can spend your afternoon visiting Phewa Lake and Bindebasini Temple and enjoy evening dinner by the Phewa Lake.

Day 07: Sightseeing in Pokhara

After breakfast, you will take a short drive to Sarangkot (1600m) for sunrise and mountain views. In the afternoon you will on a hike to World Peace Stupa, which offers superb views of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and Annapurna mountain ranges. Stay overnight in hotel in Pokhara.

Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu

Take an early morning drive to Kathmandu. The entire journey takes about 6-7 hours. You can enjoy the scenic ride with beautiful green hills, rivers and villages. In the afternoon you are free to do shopping in THamel, a renowned tourist hub. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 09: Departure

Depending on time of your departure flight, our representative will see you off at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight back home.

The Trip includes following services:

a) Kathmandu :

Airport pick up and drop off service

4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast

2 days of sightseeing in Kathmandu including Namobuddha

Entrance fees

Drive from Kathmandu to Lumbini

Tour guide

All ground transportation

b) Lumbini :

2 night hotel accomodation with breakfast

Sightseeing in and around Lumbini with 1 English speaking guide and private vehicle

Entrance fees

Tour guide

Drive from Lumbini to Pokhara

c) Pokhara :

2 night hotel accomodation with breakfast

Sightseeing in and around Pokhara with 1 English speaking guide and private vehicle

Entrance fees

Tour guide

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

The Trip does not include:

Personal nature expenses

Drinks, beverages, etc.

Tips

Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels.We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category of hotel you would like to stay in.